D-backs signing stout defender Garrett Hampson to minor league deal, spring training invite
Jan 31, 2025, 12:12 PM | Updated: 12:18 pm
The Arizona Diamondbacks are signing veteran utility man and stout defender Garrett Hampson to a minor league deal with an invitation to major league spring training, Triple-A Reno announced on Friday.
The D-backs reportedly pursued Hampson last offseason before he signed with the Kansas City Royals, where he worked a .230/.275/.300 batting line in 113 games. He went 3-for-3 in the postseason with three RBIs, but the Royals fell to the New York Yankees in the ALDS.
The Royals utilized his defensive versatility, as he played innings at all three outfield spots last year (primarily center field), along with first base, second base, shortstop and third base. He also possesses 99th percentile speed, per Statcast.
Garrett Hampson gives the Royals the lead! pic.twitter.com/vWLoFRinBg
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) October 6, 2024
A 2016 third-round pick, Hampson spent 2018-22 with the Colorado Rockies and the 2023 season with the postseason-bound Miami Marlins.
The 30-year-old from Reno has posted a career .662 OPS, 29 home runs and 64 stolen bases in 630 games. He is a right-handed hitter, and his career OPS is much better against lefties at .719.
Hampson has played nearly 2,000 innings in the outfield and nearly 2,000 innings of middle infield defense throughout his career.
Last season, he produced eight defensive runs saved and six outs above average in the outfield, good for 21st and 22nd among major league outfielders. He earned two OAA and two DRS at second base, as well.
He played limited shortstop last year due to the presence of superstar Bobby Witt Jr., but his metrics career-wise measure out well there with five DRS.
Garrett Hampson with a beautiful catch + saves a run, and we're tied 0-0.
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Garrett Hampson gives Diamondbacks depth
The Diamondbacks bring more versatility into camp after losing utility infielder Kevin Newman in free agency to the Los Angeles Angels. They have not yet signed a position player to a major league contract this winter.
The starting infield is pretty set, barring injury, with first baseman Josh Naylor, second baseman Ketel Marte, shortstop Geraldo Perdomo and third baseman Eugenio Suarez.
Selecting a malleable backup will be a task at spring training.
The club previously added utility man Ildemaro Vargas on a minor league deal, while a spring training subplot will be the development of infielder Blaze Alexander after he showcased highs and lows as a rookie both on offense and defense in 2024.
Top prospect, shortstop Jordan Lawlar, missed much of 2024 and may need everyday reps in Reno first before jumping into the major league lineup.
The D-backs signed Newman to a minor league deal last winter, so Hampson will have the similar opportunity to compete for a major league role in camp or provide depth in the upper minors. Newman did not make the team on Opening Day but proved vital after Perdomo suffered a meniscus tear early on.
Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12, while full squad workouts begin on Feb. 17 at Salt River Fields.